New Zealand’s National Action Plans under the Open Government Partnership.

National Action Plan cycle

New Zealand has been undertaking National Action Plans in a 2-year cycle since 2014. The government agrees on the commitments that make up a new National Action Plan through the Cabinet process. The plan is developed and usually implemented over the 2-year period and progress made against commitment milestones is publicly reported. Information on each of New Zealand's five National Action Plans including consultation and reporting can be found below. 

New Zealand’s Fifth National Action Plan (2026-2027)

The Fifth National Action Plan was developed from August – December 2025 and is currently in implementation. The plan contains four commitments: 

No. 

Commitment 

1 

Review protected disclosures practice (Public Service Commission) 

 

Undertake a practice review of the protected disclosures system, publish information on the consequences for retaliation, and scope a community of practice for organisations receiving disclosures. 

2 

Develop a corruption risk assessment tool (Serious Fraud Office) 

 

Design a Corruption Risk Assessment Tool for public sector agencies to identify corruption and insider threat risks within their organisation. The tool will assist agencies to take steps to mitigate these risks. 

3 

Support ethical government – private sector career transitions (Public Service Commission and Ministry of Justice) 

 

Produce a discussion document exploring the movement of individuals (elected and non-elected) between government and private sector roles, including lobbying, and identify potential options to support ethical transitions. 

4 

Explore options to improve transparency of senior leaders’ conflicts of interest (Public Service Commission) 

 

Research and scope options to improve transparency of conflicts of interest held by senior leaders in the public sector. Options could include an online register of interests (like the publication requirement for Ministers’ interests) or creating an independent review process for CE interest declarations.   

New Zealand’s Fourth National Action Plan (2023-2024)

The Fourth National Action Plan was developed from January to October 2022 and implemented from January 2023 to December 2024. The plan consisted of 8 commitments which included adopting a community engagement tool, implementing a National Counter Fraud and Corruption Strategy and establishing an inclusive, multi-channel approach to the delivery of government information and services.

New Zealand’s Third National Action Plan (2018-2021)

The Third National Action Plan was developed from January 2016 to 2017 and implemented from July 2018 to June 2021. It was then extended to December 2022 due to COVID-19. The plan consisted of 12 commitments which included publishing data on government-awarded contracts, reviewing government use of algorithms and making secondary legislation readily available.

New Zealand’s Second National Action Plan (2016-2018)

The Second National Action Plan was developed from January to June 2016 and implemented from July 2016 to June 2018. The plan consisted of 7 commitments which included creating guidance to improve policy practice, making budget information more accessible, tracking open government data releases.

New Zealand’s First National Action Plan (2014-2016)

The First National Action Plan was developed from January to June 2014 and implemented from July 2014 to June 2016. The plan consisted of 4 commitments which included assessing the Kia Tūtahi Relationship Accord and publishing the Government’s Response to Transparency International’s 2013 National Integrity System Assessment Report.